CLEVELAND — Dr. Airica Steed, who took over as CEO at MetroHealth in late 2022, was fired Friday following a special board of trustees meeting.

What You Need To Know

  • Dr. Airica Steed, who took over as CEO at MetroHealth in late 2022, was fired Friday following a special board of trustees meeting

  • MetroHealth’s board chair, Dr. E. Henry Walker, said the board lost confidence in her ability to lead the team but didn’t give any specific reason for firing her

  • Steed was hired after the hospital let former CEO Dr. Akram Boutros go in 2022 over nearly $2 million in unauthorized bonuses

  • She took a medical leave about three weeks ago, and Dr. Christine Alexander-Rager is in place as interim CEO

MetroHealth’s board chair, Dr. E. Henry Walker, said the board lost confidence in her ability to lead the team but didn’t give any specific reason for firing her. 

“It has become clear that the Board and Dr. Steed fundamentally disagree about the priorities and performance standards needed from our CEO for MetroHealth to fulfill its mission, Dr. Walker said. “We believe Dr. Steed’s performance is not meeting the needs of MetroHealth. As a result, we have lost confidence in her ability to lead the organization going forward and believe it would not be in the best interest of the System for her to continue in her position.”

Every member present in the meeting approved the vote for termination.

Steed was hired after the hospital let former CEO Dr. Akram Boutros go in 2022 over nearly $2 million in unauthorized bonuses.

Before taking over as CEO, Dr. Steed was an executive at Sinai Chicago Health System.

She was the first Black person, woman or nurse to lead MetroHealth in the system’s 187-year history.

Steed took a medical leave about three weeks ago, and Dr. Christine Alexander-Rager is in place as interim CEO. 

The board said they’re confident they have senior leaders who can step in to ensure the hospital system can continue to serve the community.